KABUL - Russia is providing weapons to Taliban insurgents, alleges commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Earlier in the week, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan said their contacts are limited to boosting security and persuading the rebels to enter talks with the government.
Gen John Nicholson told reporters at a news conference in Kabul on Monday he would "not refute" that Moscow's involvement included supplying arms to the rebels.
In response to the query if Russia was sending weapons to the insurgent movement, the US general replied: “Oh, no, I am not refuting that.”
US Defense Secretary James Mattis, who was also present during the press briefing at Resolute Support headquarters in Kabul, said America must confront Russia over its actions in Afghanistan.
Mattis said: "We'll engage with Russia diplomatically. We'll do so where we can, but we're going to have to confront Russia where what they're doing is contrary to international law.”
Russia was giving machine guns and other medium-weight weapons to the Taliban, who were using the arms in Helmand, Kandahar and Uruzgan, an unnamed US official was quoted as saying on Monday
The top US military bosses leveled the allegation Russia days after a deadly Taliban attack on the Shaheen Military Corps killed more than 100 Afghan soldiers in Balkh province. (Pajhwok)